Catalpa Ridge News–Volume 21 No 16–September 27, 2016

Zucchini Surprise !

 

News from the Fields & Farm: 

All of a sudden our late planting of zucchini came to life! They got away from us and most are rather large but excellent this time of year for baking up into zucchini bread, stuffed zukes, etc. It is probably the latest in the season that we have delivered zukes. Farmer Rich says the plants still look good so we may actually be able to harvest another crop.

 

 

The rain we received early in the week has helped with the field crops. With the shorter days, the moisture is holding better in the soil.

 

The sunchokes (Jerusalem Artichokes) are close to harvest, perhaps in about two weeks. The tomato crop continues to produce which is quite late in the season.

 

We planned on harvesting kale for tonight’s delivery but the plants were not harvestable. There was an overnight attack of cabbage worms that destroyed most of the crop.

The autumnal equinox came on September 22^nd and now the days are getting shorter and the temperatures are starting to drop. We had a low of 37^◦ on Sunday morning when the crew started harvesting. It wasn’t as cold as anticipated, but still cool enough for gloves and flannel shirts.

 

The first of the pumpkins are being delivered this week. Variety Name is Sugar Pumpkin. You can cook it up for a nice soup or simply use for seasonal decoration.

 

Franklin Greenhouse Report: Nothing new is going on at the Franklin Greenhouse. The tomatoes and peppers plants are still producing. We plan on harvesting beets next week.

 

Weather report: We received about ½” of rain fell during the week. The leaves on the trees are just starting to turn color so we are a few weeks away from really ideal fall foliage colors.

 

Upcoming Event:  

 

Sussex County Harvest, Honey & Garlic Festival – October 8 – 10 am – 4 pm Sussex Fair Grounds – Augusta, NJ. The Sussex County Harvest, Honey & Garlic Festival will celebrate the agri‑ecotourism, arts & heritage of New Jersey's great northwest with displays & info about northern NJ's open spaces. We will have garlic at this event!